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2585 Career Guide

Marine Corps

2585: PLRS Master Station Operator

Career transition guide for Marine Corps PLRS Master Station Operator (2585)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2585 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network Technician

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification

Radio Communication Equipment Technician

$68K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Geospatial Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

GIS software proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS)Remote sensing knowledge

Emergency Management Specialist

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certificationsEmergency planning and response training

IT Support Specialist

$60K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

CompTIA A+ certificationHelp desk experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2585 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a PLRS master station operator, you develop a mental model of the entire network, understanding how each user unit interacts with the central facility and how data flows through the system.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to roles where you need to grasp intricate processes and dependencies to optimize performance or troubleshoot issues.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to established procedures for equipment emplacement, diagnostic testing, frequency setting, and security protocols. Errors can compromise the entire network.

This meticulous attention to detail and commitment to following protocols is invaluable in regulated industries or any environment where precision and consistency are paramount.

Situational Awareness

You must maintain constant awareness of the status and movement of friendly forces, understanding the operational environment to effectively utilize the PLRS and provide accurate location data.

This heightened awareness translates to roles requiring you to quickly assess situations, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When equipment fails or communication links are disrupted, you must be able to adapt and implement alternative procedures to maintain system functionality and provide essential information.

This adaptability and problem-solving ability in challenging circumstances is highly valuable in roles requiring you to think on your feet and find creative solutions when things don't go as planned.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Network Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212

You've been responsible for maintaining the security of a complex communications network. You already have the skillset to monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations, and implement security policies.

Geospatial Data Analyst

SOC 15-2031

You've been tracking the location and movement of assets and personnel. You already have the necessary analytical skills to collect, analyze, and interpret geospatial data for various applications.

Process Improvement Specialist

SOC 13-1111

You've been rigorously following and troubleshooting complex procedures. You are well equipped to analyze existing processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement more efficient workflows, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Training & Education Equivalencies

AN/TSQ-179(V)3 Master Station Operator Course, Camp Pendleton, CA

160 training hours4 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in electronics technology recommended

Topics Covered

  • PLRS System Overview
  • AN/TSQ-179(V)3 Equipment Operation
  • System Emplacement and Interconnection
  • Frequency and Security Code Management
  • Diagnostic Procedures and Troubleshooting
  • Operator Maintenance Procedures
  • PLRS Network Management
  • Reporting Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+60% covered

While the role involves networking concepts, studying specific networking technologies, security protocols, and troubleshooting techniques covered in the Network+ exam is needed.

CompTIA Security+40% covered

The PLRS operator role involves security aspects, but the Security+ exam requires broader knowledge of cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies. Focused study on these areas is recommended.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Position Location Reporting System (PLRS)Real-time GPS tracking and asset management systems
AN/TSQ-121(V)3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)High-performance server systems with custom software
KY-57 VINSON/ANDVT secure voice communication systemsEncrypted VoIP communication platforms with secure call management
AN/PRC-117F Multiband Manpack RadioCommercial multiband satellite communication devices
Tactical Data Network (TDN)Secure Wide Area Network (WAN)
Global Positioning System (GPS) receiversCommercial GPS devices, GIS software

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